How to cancel your O2 contract

This guide walks you through every way to cancel your O2 contract, with or without keeping your phone number, and explains early termination fees, notice periods, and what to expect on your final bill. You’ll know exactly which method to use and how to avoid unnecessary charges.

Summary

You can cancel your O2 contract in three ways: use a PAC code when you want to keep your number, use a STAC code when you want a new one, or request a standard 30-day cancellation if you’re not switching networks. This guide shows you exactly how each method works and helps you check any early termination fees before you leave.

What you’ll learn

  • Find the fastest way to cancel your O2 contract
  • How to choose the right method: PAC, STAC, or standard cancellation
  • How to check your early termination fees instantly and understand how they’re calculated
  • See what happens to your number, your final bill, and any device plan
  • Switch networks smoothly and avoid unnecessary charges

1. Cancel O2 using a PAC (to keep your number)

If you want to switch to another phone network and want to keep your current number, use a PAC code. This is the simplest and most common way to leave.

How to get your PAC code

You can get a PAC in three ways:1) By textSend PAC to 65075You’ll receive your code within 60 seconds.2) Online in My O2
  1. Sign in to My O2.
  2. Go to Manage detailsThinking of leaving O2?
  3. Request your PAC.
3) By phone
  • O2 Pay Monthly: 202
  • From another phone: 0344 809 0202

How to use your PAC

  1. Give the code to your new network when you sign up.
  2. They will transfer your number, usually within one working day.
  3. Your O2 contract will automatically cancel once the number transfers.
Note: No 30-day notice applies when using a PAC. But if you’re still in the contract, O2 may charge an early termination fee.

2. Cancel O2 using a STAC (to leave without keeping your number)

Choose this if you’re switching networks but want a fresh number.

How to get your STAC code

Send STAC to 75075You’ll receive your code straight away.Or request it in My O2 the same way as above.

How to use your STAC

Give the STAC to your new network during sign-up.Your O2 contract ends the moment your new SIM becomes active.Note: No 30-day notice is required when using a STAC.

3. Standard cancellation (if you’re not joining another network)

If you don’t plan to move to another provider, you must cancel directly with O2.

How to cancel O2 manually

Call O2 on 202 and tell them you want to end your contract.A 30-day notice period applies, and you’ll be billed for that month even if you stop using your SIM.Only choose this method if you aren’t switching to another network.

Before you cancel: check fees and contract status

You should always check if you’ll be charged for leaving your contract early.

How to check your early termination fee

Text INFO to 85075You’ll get an instant breakdown of any fees or remaining device balance.This works for:
  • SIM-only plans
  • O2 Refresh plans
  • Combined device + airtime contracts

How O2 calculates early termination fees

  • O2 adds up all the remaining monthly airtime payments.
  • They subtract 4% (a discount for early payment).
  • Device plan balances must be paid in full (Refresh contracts).
For example:£21/month with 6 months left 6 × £21 = £126, minus 4% = £120.96

Keeping your number when switching from O2

If you’re keeping your number, get your PAC (see section 1).Once you give this to your new network, the switch usually completes the next working day.If you have multiple numbers on your account (e.g., an Apple Watch), you may need to request a PAC online rather than by text.

What happens to your O2 phone after cancelling?

If you have a device plan (O2 Refresh):

  • Your airtime plan cancels.
  • Your device plan must still be paid unless you pay it off in full.

If your phone is locked:

Check O2’s unlocking page. Many recent O2 devices are automatically unlocked.

Your final O2 bill: what to expect

Your final bill arrives around 14 days after you disconnect.It may include:
  • Line rental up to the cancellation date
  • A refund for any advance line rental
  • Any device plan balance
  • Early termination charges
  • Out-of-bundle charges or Bolt-Ons
  • Insurance fees if you forget to cancel O2 Insure
Note: Do not cancel your Direct Debit early.O2 will not be able to take your final payment, and this can affect your credit file.If your bill is in credit, O2 will automatically refund you within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on the method you use:
  • PAC/STAC cancellations (when moving to another network) usually complete within one working day. As soon as your new network activates your number, O2 automatically closes your contract.
Standard cancellations (when you’re not switching providers) always require a 30-day notice period, and you’ll be billed for that month even if you stop using your SIM.
Yes, but only in specific situations:
  • Your minimum contract term has ended. You can leave without any fees.
  • O2 has sent you a price-change notification with a “right to exit”. You have 30 days from the date of the message to cancel without penalties.
  • You’re on O2 Refresh and only paying off the device plan. You can cancel the airtime portion for free, but you must settle any remaining device balance.
If none of these apply, O2 will charge an early termination fee based on the months left in your contract.
Absolutely.Just request a PAC code by texting PAC to 65075, it’s free and arrives within 60 seconds.Give the PAC to your new network, and they’ll move your number over automatically.
O2 Pay As You Go customers don’t have a contract, so you’re free to leave at any time.
  • You can simply stop using the SIM, or move to another network.
  • If you have credit left, you can ask O2 to refund it via bank transfer or cheque. You’ll need to contact customer service directly to request it.
O2 Insure does not cancel automatically when you close your mobile plan.
  • You must cancel it separately, either through customer service or in your O2 account.
The final charge for the insurance will appear on your last bill, so check that it’s been removed afterwards.
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